FIFPRO Statement: Protecting World Cup players from abuse

• FIFPRO calls for action to protect World Cup players from a growing pattern of abuse
• Players have faced abuse online and in person, much of it racist and discriminatory
• There must be meaningful consequences for those who are responsible for abuse 

As the FIFA Men's World Cup enters its decisive stages, FIFPRO calls for collective action to protect players from a growing pattern of abuse that encompasses some media coverage, the aftermath of matches and team eliminations.

Representing their country at the game's biggest competition is one of the greatest honours in football, carrying pride and responsibility. Players show solidarity as their labour, skill and passion help to create the most successful economic tournament in sport, funding football's development around the world.

At the World Cup, after a long season, players leave everything on the pitch for their country. They endure the physical, emotional and professional demands of competing at the highest level, including the risk of injury and long-term consequences for their careers. However, abuse should never be a part of the commitment they make to this tournament.

In recent weeks, players have faced abuse online and in person, much of it racist and discriminatory. There has been intimidation and hostility beyond the pitch. These incidents are not isolated; they point to a systemic pattern that cannot remain an accepted part of football or society. Players shoulder the expectations of a nation, but this must never come at the cost of their safety, dignity or wellbeing, nor should abuse be dismissed as part of the game.

The national team is an extension of the players' workplace, and they must be protected as such. While important steps have been taken, FIFPRO calls on football stakeholders, and public and private actors, to increase their efforts as monitoring and reporting alone cannot change behaviour or prevent harm.

There must be meaningful consequences for those responsible and a collective commitment from groups, including law enforcement, social media platforms, media, fans and the public, to reverse this trend. In the context of its Memorandum of Understanding with FIFA, FIFPRO will also bring this topic to the attention of the newly created Global Social Dialogue Platform, chaired by FIFA, under the workstream on player health and safety.

As tournament pressure builds, FIFPRO urges everyone to play their part in protecting players.